Colorado Lawmakers Call For President Trump's Removal

Some Democratic members of Colorado's federal delegation are calling for President Donald Trump's presidency to end early after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday in what many are calling a 'threat to democracy.'

Trump's last day in office is scheduled for Jan. 20, which is when Joe Biden will be sworn in as the country's 46th president after Congress completed its certification of the Electoral College results early Thursday.

Colorado Democratic Reps. Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette and Ed Perlmutter are calling for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, which allows Congress to remove presidents if it's determined they can't do their job. Sen. Michael Bennett has also called for Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment.

The call for Trump's removal comes after a violent mob of his supporters was able to push past police at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday and breach the building, which had to be evacuated.

"We have known for a long time that Donald Trump is violent and unstable. After what happened yesterday, 13 days is too long," Crow said in a tweet.

"He needs to be removed from office — whether it be invoking the 25th Amendment or impeachment. We must protect our democracy."

Don’t miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Neguse also said that impeachment needs to be on the table.

"If the Vice-President and the Cabinet are unwilling to perform their constitutional duty under the 25th Amendment, then the Congress must perform ours and pursue impeachment," Neguse said in a tweet.

"Enough is enough."

Neguse was the first Colorado lawmaker to sign a letter penned by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, which called for Trump's removal.

"The world watched as insurrectionists, who had been egged on by the President, threatened the safety of elected officials and staff and destroyed public property as they stormed and occupied both the House and Senate chambers bringing our democracy to a halt," the letter reads, in part.

"Meanwhile, President Trump remained silent even as insurrections broke windows, threatened U.S. Capitol Police, and scaled the walls of the Capitol."

The riot overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated, and a California woman was shot to death. She has been identified as Ashli Babbit, according to multiple reports. She was reportedly a 14-year Air Force veteran who was a strong supporter of the president.

A Capitol police officer died Thursday night after he was injured in the riot, officials confirmed.

One woman and two men suffered fatal medical emergencies, but the nature of their deaths has not been released.

Metropolitan Police in D.C. made 69 arrests from Wednesday afternoon into the night for curfew violations and other offenses. At least one Coloradan was arrested.

D.C. police arrested at least 30 people for violating the curfew, which has been extended through Jan. 21. At least five guns were seized from the unruly crowd, according to officials. None of those arrested are D.C. residents, police said.

The Capitol was stormed after Trump told the teeming crowd of protesters at a rally that he would never concede. However, he later seemed to capitulate to critics who said he had fueled the insurgents, telling his supporters to "go home in peace."

"This was a fraudulent election," he said in a tweeted video at 4:17 p.m. ET, "but we cannot play into the hands of these people."

But the president was castigated for telling his supporters, "We love you. You're very special."

Republican and Democratic Colorado lawmakers took a stand against the violence and turmoil at the U.S. Capitol.

Shortly before 6 p.m. ET, law enforcement told reporters on scene that the Capitol building was secure.

The Senate and House resumed the electoral count at 8 p.m. ET, with comments from the vice president and Senate leaders condemning the "thugs" who desecrated the building. At 3:40 a.m. Thursday, lawmakers completed their constitutionally mandated count.

Overnight, Trump grudgingly acknowledged his defeat.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," he said in a tweet issued by a staffer.

Twitter suspended Trump's account for 12 hours over continued falsehoods about election fraud.

On Thursday, the FBI asked for tips and digital media from the rioting and violence that can to lead agents to the D.C. rioters. The agency said anyone who saw unlawful violent actions is asked to submit their information, photos or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol. Witnesses also can call -800-CALL-FBI (1-‪800-225-5324) to report tips.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.

Patch Editor Michael O'Connell also contributed to this report.